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2014 Economic Benefits News Release

Tucson, AZ – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 673,752 visitors to Saguaro National Park in 2014, spent nearly $41.6 million in communities near the Park. That spending supported 610 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of more than $58 million.

"Saguaro National Park welcomes visitors from across the country and around the world," said Superintendent Darla Sidles. "Many of these visitors come to see the park and stay to experience all of the other wonderful aspects of our Tucson community. National park tourism is a significant driver in the national economy, returning $10 for every $1 invested in the National Park Service, and we are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities."

The peer-reviewed visitor spending analysis was conducted by U.S. Geological Survey economists Catherine Cullinane Thomas and Christopher Huber and National Park Service economist Lynne Koontz. The report shows $15.7 billion of direct spending by 292.8 million park visitors in communities within 60 miles of a national park. This spending supported 277,000 jobs nationally; 235,600 of those jobs are found in these gateway communities. The cumulative benefit to the U.S. economy was $29.7billion.

According to the 2014 report, most park visitor spending was for lodging (30.6 percent) followed by food and beverages (20.3 percent), gas and oil (11.9 percent), admissions and fees (10.2 percent) and souvenirs and other expenses (9.9 percent).

The report includes information for visitor spending at individual parks and by state.

To learn more about national parks in Arizona and how the National Park Service works with Arizona communities to help preserve local history, conserve the environment, and provide outdoor recreation, go to www.nps.gov/arizona.